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I loved watching Elisa journey from a sad, pampered girl to a woman growing into her own skin. I enjoyed the world that Carson built as both familiar, but so different at the same time. I put the 2nd book on hold before I even finished the first.

I had heard some good things about this book and wanted to read it as newer books in the series are out. It was okay. The heroine turns out to be a 16 year old who carries a godstone that she know nothing about, gets married off to a neighboring King, gets kidnapped and spends months away learning about herself and her meaning as a "bearer". A lot happens but it is hard to relate to the Princess because there is very little back story about the land, the people or the society. It becomes a coming of age novel in a tired trope. I'm not sure I will read the other in the series as I have lots of other hopefully, better books to read.

In general, a pretty good first book for a fantasy trilogy. I enjoyed the latin feel - including the use of Spanish (or at least a Spanish-influenced language). I also enjoyed the fact that Elisa starts off as this typical chubby, ineffectual princess and gradually becomes a strong, assertive leader. There was a strong religious element to the story, as well; again, it really worked well by creating a sort of Spanish Catholic feel (if that makes sense).
The idea of Elisa being chosen by God, and marked as His with a Godstone jewel, was interesting. But having that jewel sticking out of her navel was just weird. And late in the book there's a really strange scene with the Godstone that just makes the story lose a lot of credibility. A truly strange moment.
I'm interested to see where the story goes, so I'll probably come back to this series when I have the chance. Not a must-read situation, but a good enough tale that I'm ready to give it some more attention.

Good plot, excellent character development, lots of action, well-paced. Looking forward to the rest of this series and am glad I didn't discover this author until now as I will not have to wait a year for each instalment!

I love this book! I can't say enough good things about it. The story was incredibly well-written. Princess Elisa just flies off the page, as an insecure princess who is thrown in the middle of a situation she has no idea how to handle. Watching this character grow throughout the book, and later, the series, was awesome! I cannot recommend this book enough!

this book was sooooo good its actually the 2nd best book i've ever read!!!!
*****
5 STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*****
all i couldn't understand was that the AR level was much smaller than i imagined it was only 5.0 and my level is 5.5 . LOL

But back to the good stuff, this book was very addicting!!! there is some violence and malevolent acting but i think it's the perfect book for ages 11 to 15!!! i'm in 4th grade and i LOVE this book !!!

p.s. the user EyeForDesign: HOW IN THE WORLD DID U ONLY GIVE THIS BOOK HHAALLFF AA SSTTAARR!??!??

The first book of the series, this book was very thought-out and detailed. The characters were very complex, and the plot wasn't too boring, but wasn't hard to follow, either. The magic part made sense too, and was consistent. The romance wasn't too cheesy, and the climax was exciting. All in all, one of my new favorite books! Can't wait to read the second one in the series.

The characters are well drawn and interesting and the story concept has potential. I felt that the ending was rushed, inconsistent magically, and disappointing. The author also belabors the "fat girl" a bit too much, although it is good to have a character with this challenge. Gee, that makes it sound like I didn't enjoy the book. I did. In the sequel I hope the author takes more time crafting the finale.